Andrew Whitworth
A mountain of an offensive tackle whose career defied time, becoming the oldest to win a Super Bowl at his position.
Born 1981 (age 45)·American football player·Birthday: December 12·Millennials
Biography
Andrew Whitworth’s NFL narrative is one of sustained excellence and profound leadership. Drafted in the second round by the Cincinnati Bengals, the LSU standout quickly established himself as a pillar on their offensive line, known for his intelligence, technical skill, and quiet, commanding presence. For over a decade in Cincinnati, 'Big Whit' was a model of consistency, protecting quarterbacks and opening lanes in relative obscurity on a team that often fell short in the playoffs. His career found a spectacular second act when he signed with the Los Angeles Rams at age 35, an age when most linemen have long retired. There, he became the spiritual leader of a young team, his work ethic and wisdom setting a standard. In his 16th season, at 40 years old, he anchored the line that won Super Bowl LVI, a storybook ending that crowned one of the most respected and durable careers in football history.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Andrew was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Andrew Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Andrew's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won Super Bowl LVI with the Los Angeles Rams in the 2021 season, at age 40.
- Named the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year in 2021 for his exceptional community service and on-field excellence.
- Selected to four Pro Bowls and was a two-time First-team All-Pro over his 16-season career.
- Played in 239 regular season games, retiring as the oldest starting offensive tackle in NFL history.
Did You Know?
He and his wife, Melissa, are known for their extensive philanthropic work, particularly through their Big Whit 77 Foundation.
Whitworth played quarterback in high school before growing into an offensive lineman at LSU.
He started at left tackle for LSU's 2003 BCS National Championship team.
In 2022, he joined Amazon's 'Thursday Night Football' broadcast as a studio analyst.
“The legacy I want to leave is that I made people better.”
